Job Description

Salary: $51,528.00 per annual

Organization: John Howard Society of York Region

Title: Wellness and Support Specialist (Peer Mission Program)

Reports to: Youth Services Manager

Compensation: $51,528.00 per annual

Employment Type: Full-Time, Fixed-Term Contract

Contract Term: This is a fixed-term contract until March 31, 2027.

The John Howard Society is a criminal justice agency that provides services in the areas of prevention, intervention, and reintegration. Our primary focus is to reduce the impact of crime and its causes through the delivery of relevant programs.

Position Summary: The function of this position is for a Wellness and Support Specialist with lived experience of substance use/mental health to provide support to adult individuals who are currently using substances Challenges. Activities of this role may include, but are not limited to harm reduction education, overdose prevention information and tools, community accompaniment, connecting clients to community supports, and informal counselling, follow-up and advocacy.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Connect directly with clients to provide immediate support and conduct intake/needs assessment

Facilitate client access to services, programs, and emergency supports
Develop individualized harm reduction plans
Assist with system navigation of government and community programs
Identify and provide referrals to local and culturally appropriate agencies, programs, supports, and services
Accompany clients to probation, court, or counselling appointments, where necessary and permitted
Liaise and collaborate with probation and parole officers, community partners, and stakeholders in a professional manner
Complete required program reports, data collection, and intake statistics
Assist with research and evaluation endeavours as directed
Maintain and build partnerships with community agencies and attend community meetings as needed
Maintain timely, accurate written and electronic data information, reporting and correspondence that will be
Ensure client confidentiality as per agency policy
Participate in outreach activities, including visiting encampments and other community locations with partner organizations.
Engage with clients in various community settings to provide peer support, resources, and referrals.
Exercise a flexible, non-judgmental, anti-racist, and anti-oppressive approach to people and work
Adhere to the directives and program standards of John Howard Society of York Region
Engage in continuous learning as directed by the Program Manager
Attend and participate in supervision, staff, and team meetings
Perform other duties or tasks as directed by the Program Manager
Utilize Microsoft Office applications and online meeting platforms
Accommodate evening and weekend hours
Serve as a JHSYR Designated Bingo Ambassador at least once per quarter, contributing to building strong, connected communities and supporting the delivery of essential services.
Other duties as assigned by program Manager.

Qualifications:

Post-secondary education in a related field such as Social Work, Criminology, Addictions and Mental Health, or a combination of relevant education and equivalent experience.
Demonstrated experience in peer recruitment, training, mentorship, and supervision.
Lived experience related to substance use, mental health, the criminal justice system, or social assistance systems is considered a strong asset.
Membership in a professional college or regulatory body is considered an asset.
Ability and willingness to conduct outreach in diverse community settings, including encampments and other non-traditional environments.
Experience facilitating groups and providing direct client support and care.
Strong interpersonal, relationship-building, and conflict-resolution skills with a professional and compassionate approach.
Excellent communication skills, including active listening, empathy, and the ability to engage diverse populations effectively.
Experience supporting individuals involved in the criminal justice system and their families, with a strong understanding of associated barriers, trauma, and risk factors.
Knowledge of criminogenic risk factors, the criminal justice system, and related community supports and services.
Strong knowledge of community resources within York and Simcoe Regions, with the ability to identify and develop additional community partnerships and referral pathways.
Ability to establish and maintain collaborative relationships with community agencies, stakeholders, and service providers.
Client-centered, trauma-informed, anti-oppressive, and culturally responsive approach to service delivery.
Strong organizational, administrative, and time-management skills with attention to detail.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, virtual meeting platforms, and electronic documentation systems.
Ability to work effectively with diverse populations while recognizing systemic barriers and advocating for equitable access to services.
Fluency in additional languages beyond English is considered an asset.
Serve as a JHSYR Designated Bingo Ambassador at least once per quarter, contributing to community engagement and supporting the delivery of essential services.
Maintain accurate, timely, and organized client files, case notes, and documentation in accordance with agency standards.
Complete program reports, data collection, statistics, and tracking requirements as required by the agency and funders.
Maintain professional boundaries and uphold confidentiality and ethical standards.
Adhere to agency policies, procedures, and funder requirements.
Participate in team meetings, staff meetings, supervision, training, and ongoing professional development opportunities.
Perform other related duties as assigned by the Program Manager.
Regular travel throughout York and Simcoe Regions is required; therefore, a valid drivers license and access to a reliable vehicle are mandatory.
Ability to obtain and maintain security clearance for provincial and federal correctional institutions.
Ability to speak multiple languages is considered an asset.

Please Note: This is an internal posting. JHSYR is committed to fostering a workplace that reflects the diversity of the York Region community. Our policies and practices support equity, inclusion, and a barrier-free work environment. Employees requiring accommodation during the internal selection process are encouraged to inform us so that appropriate supports can be provided.

The successful candidate will be required to provide proof of qualifications and complete any applicable background screening. Please note that having a criminal record does not automatically exclude an individual from employment with JHSYR.

We thank all staff who express interest. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

To Apply: Interested employees are invited to submit an expression of interest to Sarita Leicher, no later than Midnight on May 31st , 2026.

John Howard Society of York Region

Open Positions

Wellness and Support Specialist (Peer Mission Program)